Vancouver Whitecaps FC release 2014 MLS schedule

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC will kick off their fourth season in Major League Soccer - the club's 40th anniversary - on March 8, 2014, against defending Supporters Shield winners New York Red Bulls at BC Place.

In conjunction with the league, Whitecaps FC released their 2014 MLS schedule on Monday. For the third straight season, Vancouver will play a total of 34 matches – three against each Western Conference opponents and one against all 10 Eastern Conference clubs. Saturday will be the busiest day of the week for Whitecaps FC with 25 matches scheduled, followed by four matches on Sunday and Wednesday, and one on Friday.

Whitecaps FC 2014 season tickets are also on sale and start at just $349, subject to applicable fees. The 'Caps are offering a flexible range of ticket products, including half-season tickets ($244), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets ($199), and a youth soccer half-season ticket ($100). For more information on all 'Caps ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

Whitecaps FC's 2014 schedule is highlighted by a total of six Cascadia Cup derbies against rivals Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders FC – three of which will be played at BC Place. The defending Cascadia Cup champion ‘Caps will host Seattle twice (Saturday, May 24, and Saturday, July 5) and Portland once (Saturday, August 30).

The Blue and White wiill also host long-time Canadian rival Montreal Impact on Wednesday, June 25, following a two-week break for the group phase of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, before visiting Toronto FC the following month (Wednesday, July 16) in their lone meetings with the two Eastern Canadian clubs.

Also of note, Vancouver will meet the star-studded LA Galaxy in a home-and-home series in April, including LA’s lone visit to BC Place on Saturday, April 19. For the third time in four years, Whitecaps FC will conclude their regular season at home against Western Conference rivals Colorado Rapids (Saturday, October 25).

Home match kickoff times, away match kickoff times for Toronto FC and Philadelphia Union, the 2014 broadcast schedule, as well as the 2014 Amway Canadian Championship schedule will be announced at a later date.